Dear Wizards of the Coast Team, My name is Matthew R. Hannon, and I want to begin by thanking you for creating and continuing to nurture on
Dear Wizards of the Coast Team,
My name is Matthew R. Hannon, and I want to begin by thanking you for creating and continuing to nurture one of the greatest games ever made. Magic: The Gathering has been a meaningful part of my life across multiple decades, and I wanted to share a bit of my story along with a humble request.
I first started playing Magic just before the release of Ice Age and continued through Exodus (roughly 1994–1998). Like many players, I eventually drifted away from the game for a time—about 23 years in my case. In 2021, as a man in my late 30s looking for healthier hobbies beyond food and alcohol, I found myself drawn back to Magic. The “Magic” of Magic—pun fully intended—was immediate. From the moment I built my first deck again, I was hooked.
I chose the Modern format because it captured the feel of the Magic I knew and loved, while still offering room for creativity, competition, and evolution. Since returning, I’ve also become a father, advanced in my career, and grown as an active member of my church. Life is busier now, which sometimes makes it hard to find time to visit my local game store for paper play.
That’s why I’m writing to ask you to please consider bringing the Modern format to MTG Arena. While paper Magic will always be where my heart lies, Arena offers a convenient and beautifully designed way to enjoy the game when time is limited. I believe many players like me—longtime fans who love Modern—would eagerly make the transition to Arena if the format were available.
I understand this is a significant investment, but I truly believe the payoff would be enormous. Modern is beloved by a large, passionate player base, and introducing it to Arena could bring many veteran players home to the platform.
Thank you again for creating such a wonderful game and for taking the time to read and consider this request.
With appreciation and respect,
Matthew R. Hannon